Biodegradation and biological treatments of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin: an overview
Abstract
In nature, cellulose, lignocellulose and lignin are major sources of plant biomass; therefore, their recycling is indispensable for the carbon cycle. Each polymer is degraded by a variety of microorganisms which produce a battery of enzymes that work synergically. In the near future, processes that use lignocellulolytic enzymes or are based on microorganisms could lead to new, environmentally friendly technologies. This study reviews recent advances in the various biological treatments that can turn these three lignicellulose biopolymers into alternative fuels. In addition, biotechnological innovations based on natural delignification and applied to pulp and paper manufacture are also outlined.
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Cellulose hydrolysis requires the action of several cellulolytic enzymes that cleave β-1,4-glycosidic linkages synergistically: endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase.
“Cellulose hydrolysis requires the action of several cellulolytic enzymes that cleave β-1,4-glycosidic linkages synergistically.These cellulases are endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase.”
From The Enzymatic Conversion of Major Algal and Cyanobacterial Carbohydrates to Bioethanol (2016) · cites this paper as Pérez et al., 2002
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- Authors
- Pérez, J., Muñoz-Dorado, J., de la Rubia, T., & Martínez, J.
- Affiliations
- Universidad de Granada (ES)
- Corresponding author
- Pérez, J.
- ORCID
- Pérez, J.
- Venue
- International Microbiology
- Published
- 2002-04-27
- Volume
- 5
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 53-63
- ISSN
- 1139-6709 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2159620031
- Cited by
- 1,717
- References
- 36
- Citations by year
- 2026: 44 · 2025: 56 · 2024: 70 · 2023: 118 · 2022: 157 · 2021: 137 · 2020: 131 · 2019: 156 · 2018: 108 · 2017: 147 · 2016: 98 · 2015: 76 · 2014: 106 · 2013: 77 · 2012: 64
- FWCI
- 2.98
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- International Microbiology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Biofuel production and bioconversion
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Lignin and Wood Chemistry
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Enzyme-mediated dye degradation
- Keywords
- cellulose biodegradation, hemicellulose, lignin, lignocellulosic biomass, lignocellulolytic enzymes, microbial degradation, lignin removal, biofuels, carbon cycle
- MeSH terms
- Biodegradation, Environmental, Cellulose, Fermentation, Fungi, Lignin, Polysaccharides
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